A Festival in Celebration of Women

The Event Calendar for the Eressos Women's Festival 2007 is currently under construction and will be updated with activities soon.

Event Program Eressos Women's Festival 2007

Sappho Travel is more than proud to announce that we've received an overwhelming amount of offerings for participation for the festival 2007 and the result so far promises you a lively and diverse programme!

Some of the offerings will return this year due to popularity during the festival of 2006, but we're happy to have received quite a number of new offerings as well.

Events this year include a theatrical performance about Greek Godesses, Sappho and Lesbian Romance, a contemporary dance show, arts exhibitions from a selection of artists from Greece, Holland, UK and Germany, Party nights with music from DJ Promiss from Holland and DJ Soulflower from Sweden, pampering therapies such as massages and healing sessions, and a fantastic variety of workshops.

To Be Expected: Festival Activities / Performances

Theatre

Sappho in Love - Theatrical Performance by SisterAct

Sappho in Love is a lively theatrical exploration of the slippery terrain of Lesbian romance, as Hera, Goddesss of Celibacy, Artemis, Goddess of Coupledom, and Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, come down to earth from Mount Olympus to persuade young women away from Sappho's decadent teachings.

SisterAct is a regional social network for lesbian and bisexual women living in the Eastern Region of England and their cast includes eleven strong performers. SisterAct have recently performed at the Junction Theatre in Cambridge, UK.

Director Miriam Lynn works as Creative Director for Theatre Resource, a professional arts organisation working with socially excluded groups and individuals in the UK. She has worked with Theatre Resource for 8 years and produces their professional touring theatre.

Carolyn Gage is a lesbian-feminist playwright, performer, director, and activist. The author of four books on lesbian theatre and fifty-five plays, musicals, and one-woman shows, she specializes in non-traditional roles for women, especially those reclaiming famous lesbians whose stories have been distorted or erased from history.

Music / Dance Performances

Zari Le'on Dance Theater - "Put it on 'em"

Zari Le'on studies the effects of the human condition at the turn of the century through movement intervention. She is a dance performance artist with a passion for teaching and has performed with artists such as Punany Poets, Dance Elixir and Newstylemortherlode.

Zari Le'on has taught and choreographed at Mills College, University of San Fransisco, Oberlin Dance Collective, Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, and most recently the Alvin Ailey camp, and presented academic work at the Empowering Women of Color Conference at UC Berkeley and the National Association of Ethnic Studios conference in Philadelphia.

Zari Le'on Dance Theater's "Put it on 'em" is more than a structured call and response between contemporaries, more than an improvisational battle between subcultures. It is a meeting of ambassadors from spaces rarely seen or heard of, sculpting out territory to be witnessed and unearthed. The result is movement that pays homage to the old and paves way for the new evolution of contemporary dance.

Dora Michel, (vocal) & Claudia Zinserling (keyboard) - "Voice Meets Piano"

These Jazz-Ladys will shake the ground with their variations in Jazz, Folk, Pop, Blues, Latin & Gospel

Dora and Claudia are also known from German TV and big CSD`s. They have played in Cuba, Spain, Greece, French and Portugal.

During the festival these excellent and high class musicans will perform at the opening and give a big concert for you in the Sappho Garden of the Arts

Art Exhibitions

As the Eressos Women's Festival is growing in size and popularity, so is the list of creative artists who wish share with us their works of art. They will be on display through simultaneous exhibitions, throughout the village.

Also this September, Skala Eressos will be the venue for a number of exhibitions of photographs, paintings and drawings from some amazing women.

We are still working out exact venues and details, but can tell you of some exciting new offerings for festival 2007.

Dance Workshops

Susanne Schwing; HUNA: Hawaiian Shamanistic Balancing

Susanne Schwing was born 1964 in rural south Germany, surrounded by nature, her biggest teacher. Speaking with trees, animals and forest fairies led to the deep wisdom that everything is connected.

Using the principles of HUNA, we experience ourselves with pure help from Nature and the Seven Elements: fire, water, wind, stone, plants, animals and human beings. We connect with and take energy from what is around us to soar into a new realm of possibilities.

Susanne works as a Yogateacher and Bodywork Therapist, helping people to connect with their inner selves. During the festival she will organise several workshops which should not be missed!

Sasja & Jantien; Argentinian Tango

Since 1990 Sasja & Jantien dance the Angentinian Tango in shows and performances. In 1995 they opened "Las Chicas", a women's danceschool in Amsterdam. Their name was known in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Cologn, Paris and Buenos Aires. They have traveled throughout Europe to pass on their enthousiams for this passionate dance.

Like last year, Sasja & Jantien will teach the so-called Tango de Salon during the festival. This is an introvert dance and is danced all over the world in salons. In the workshop/course that they will give in Skala Eressos, you will learn the basic steps, but more important they will try to give you the feeling of what Agentinian Tango is all about.

Creative, Art & Writing Workshops

Evelyn C. White; To Be Free Writing Workshop

Evelyn C. White is the author of the acclaimed biography Alice Walker: A Life (W.W. Norton, 2004). She is also the author of Chain Chain Change: For Black Women in Abusive Relationships (Seal Press, 1994), editor of The Black Women's Health Book: Speaking For Ourselves (Seal Press, 1994), and a co-author of the photography book The African Americans (Viking, 1993).

The "To Be Free Writing Workshop" is designed to help writers of all levels negotiate taboos that arise in the crafting of essays, articles, memoirs, novels, short stories, poetry, plays and biographies.

Students will be encouraged to examine restraints on voice and subject matter. Workshop materials will include readings by and discussions about writers who've challenged "appropriate" literary conventions. In-class writing assignments will explore the artistic vision of all participants.

Yvonne Kroonenberg; Writing Workshop

Following up on last year's visit, Dutch writer and columnist Yvonne Kroonenberg has committed herself again to come to Skala Eressos and provide you with the wonderful opportunity to learn more about writing books and columns for magazines.

Yvonne gives you all the insights into writing through her 2 day workshop.

Why is something you write funny ... or not? How can you transfer an emotion onto paper? This workshop is in Dutch language and will teach you more about using correct grammar and spelling.

Yvonne Kroonenberg has written an extensive list of books and is a renowned columnist in Holland.

Joy Marlow; Writing and Creative Workshops

Joy Marlow, UK born, has lived in Eressos for three years, and is trying to finish her first novel. She has been facilitating writing and creativity workshops for five years, working with young gay and lesbian people as well as with women.

This summer she is working with Wendy at Sappho Travel to organize the Women's festival.

Joy will be facilitating two workshops this upcoming festival, both at the Antiopi Hotel for Women here in Skala Eressos.

Gerbien Fricke; Art Workshop with live model

Writer and painter Gerbien Fricke, born in Amsterdam, studied art in Holland and Germany. She travelled through the world of art, literature, music and theatre.

This workshop is all about the fantastic creative potential in everyone of us, just waiting to break loose. It doesn't matter if you have never drawn live model before - the human body offers a fascinating scala of possibilities for discovering your own creativity.

We will not focus on making exquisite artwork (although you are of course free to do so...) but concentrate on exploring your own unique handwriting in an encouriging and safe women only space.

Becky Tebbett; Henna Tattoo Workshop

The Henna Tattoo Workshop will be organised by Becky Tebbett. Following her Fine Art degree, Becky focused on community projects and work for exhibition. Her work in Henna develops her interest in the application of ancient symbols and motifs on the skin as an old form of artistic expression. Her artistic interests include the subversion of textiles and traditional female textile pursuits and the formation of lesbian sexuality via tattoos and markings. She feels that using Henna free-hand on the skin is an immediate form of female creative expression.

By the end of this workshop you will know some of the background of Henna (Mehndi), be able to produce your own designs, and (if desired) have your own Henna Tattoo. The beauty of Henna tattoos is that they are an instantaneous form of self expression. Henna tattoos are of course temporary, lasting approximately two weeks.

Chaya Volpy; Mandala Meditation Workshop

Chaya Volpi, Italian born, has been living and working in Eressos since 2000.

Chaya became an Osho Sanyasin in 1997 and is a practitioner of Reikhi healing and the techniques of meditation. Chaya is also an artist working in clay to create fine hand painted mandalas.

In this two hour meditation we will work with the mandala to experience a meditation focused on accessing female qualities. This meditation will provide you with techniques for enhancing your daily life.

Marianthi Lianou; Greek Lessons

Learn Greek through women's songs and poetry with Marianthi Lianou.

A course of Greek lessons that will include the learning of general and useful Greek as well as ancient and modern Greek women's poetry and songs, including the work of Sappho. Poetry and songs will be read and understood in English. You will be able to listen to and to learn some verses in Greek.

Read more about Greek Lessons (updated soon)

Therapies / Healings

If you're looking for pampering ... you need to look no further!

The Eressos Women's Festival has for years now become home to many therapists and healers. This year the offerings have been narrowed down, decided upon ... and if you're in for some special treats during your holiday make sure to make your arrangements in advance!

Full list of Massage Therapies / Healings in Skala Eressos (updated soon)

Active / Sports

Patricia - Local Walks

Throughout the summer Patricia organises walks in the beautiful Kambos area, which is located in between the villages of Skala Eressos and the higher up village of Eressos.

The valley and the surroundings of Skala Eressos are full of history, mythology, botany and tradition, and during the festival Patricia will make sure you get to see this village, it's natural environment and it's wonderful landscape from up close.

There are a total of three different walks, each taking you into different areas and showing you the beautiful diversity in flora and fauna in this region of Lesvos Island

Christine Leitloff - Moon Volley Ball Cup & More

Christine Leitloff, a professional goldsmith, closed her Berlin jewellery shop to move to Eressos four years ago where she lives a simple rural life with her dog and her two cats.

Christine will be cooking for you at the Moon Kantina this summer, one of the most relaxing daytime venues which should not be missed.

Christine is well known for her interest in sports activities, and during the Womens Festival in September she will coordinate the Moon Volley Ball Cup, Moon Beach Olympics as well as the ecologically friendly Bottle Dive and the magical swim to the rock.

5 x 5 Soccer Tournament

Tenth Muse Bar 5 x 5 Soccer Tournament

Parties

The Eressos Women's Festival would not be complete without it's parties. Also this summer you can be assured that you'll need your dancing shoes, sexy outfit ... and stamina to keep moving to the best tunes possible!

To make everything even more special we're organising for you a few of the best female DJ's of Europe.

DJ PROMISS | DJ JUNGLE JEANNIE

Special Activities

Lauching new women's businesses; Travel Women in the Netherlands

Following up on last year's extremely succesfull Launch Party for LesbianHotspots, we're quite proud to inform you that also this year a new woman's enterprise will be launched/opened during our festival.

Sappho Travel is happy to announce that we'll be teaming up with a new travel partner in Holland. Travel Women is a new agency which will be serving the women's travel market in The Netherlands. Shared goal; offer holiday packages to Skala Eressos!

To celebrate our cooperation we will be hosting a Grand Opening Party in Skala Eressos.

We're also very excited that for this Grand Opening DJ PROMISS, also from Holland, will be your DJ for the evening ... A sure promiss for an excellent party!

How about winning a holiday to Skala Eressos for 2008?

Especially for this event a prize-draw will be held and ... the winner will win a free holiday to our Eressos Women's Festival in September 2008!

More Information about the Grand Opening Party for Travel Women

Seminar and open discussion; Sappho Through the Centuries

A panel of scholars will present a seminar on Sappho through the centuries, exploring the myths, assumptions, historical evidence and interpretation by key figures in literature regarding Sappho's life and work.

The seminar will be presented in English and in Greek (on separate evenings) by a panel of scholars, and will be followed by open discussion with members of the panel taking questions.

More Information about Sappho Through the Centuries (updated soon)

Auction / Fundraiser ereSOS for Animals

Skala Eressos is home to the Animal Sanctuary near Eressos village Run by Ann and Jean.

EreSOS for Animals is a charity that relies solely on donations. You can play with the puppies, who all need rehoming, and find out about how they rescue and care for animals all year round.

Some of the proceeds of activities where entrance fee is applied will be donated to ereSOS for Animals and a special fundraiser / auction will be organized during the festival.

More Information about the Auction / Fundraiser

Permaculture; Farm Tour & Dinner

This event is for women who are interested in growing food, and provides an opportunity to share knowledge skills and experiences of food growing techniques and practices.

The evening starts with a short guided walk to visit a new Permaculture site being farmed in Skala Eressos. Permaculture (permanent agriculture), is an agricultural philosophy based on working with rather than against nature, towards the harmonious integration of human beings and land.

More Information about the Farm Tour & Dinner

Eressos, my home from home; Women's Festival Herstory Writing Project

Have you been to Eressos more than once? If so please tell us your story, in your own words and in your own language.

What makes you come back to Eressos? Does Eressos give you a sense of home, of returning, of belonging? Is it the special energy of this ancient place? Or is it the beach, the women, the bars, the dancing, the sports?

For Women's Festival 2007 we wish to create a book of your stories- the stories of women visitors to Eressos. This book will be available for all women to read- as a virtual book on the festival website, and as a real book on display in Skala Eressos throughout the festival. All contributions will be included.

More Information about the Herstory Writing Project

We hope that you have fun discovering Skala Eressos, we encourage you to support the women's businesses and we trust that you will enjoy the festivities which will take place all over town!

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